Navigation Equipment

Boats under 12 m (39’4”) without a fitted sound-signalling appliance must carry a sound-signalling device. This can be a pealess whistle, a compressed gas horn or an electric horn.

Sound-Signalling Appliances

All boats 12 m (39’4”) or more must have a fitted whistle. Boats over 20 m (65’7”) must also have a bell. Check the Collision Regulations for the technical standards these appliances must meet.

Navigation Lights

If your boat is equipped with navigation lights, they must work and meet the technical standards set out in the Collision Regulations. The following table lays out some basic requirements and options for navigation lights and shapes, based on the type and length of your boat. If you have a sail boat that is also equipped with a motor, you must meet the standards for both sail boats and power boats.

Remember that the following table is not complete. Read the Collision Regulations (referred to in each category below) for more details. If you are fitting your own navigation lights, refer to the positioning requirements in the Collision Regulations, ANNEX I (Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes). If you have any questions after reading the regulations, please contact us.

Navigation Light and Shape Requirements and Options by Boat Type and Length

Boat Type and Length

Requirements

Options

Power Boats under 12 m (39’4”) - Rule 23

One (1) masthead light;

OPTIONAL- Another masthead light;

Sidelights; and

One (1) sternlight.

OR

One (1) all-round white light; and

Sidelights.

Option 1

Option 2

Power Boats from 12 m (39’4”) to under 50 m (164’1”) - Rule 23

One (1) masthead light;

OPTIONAL- Another masthead light;

Sidelights; and

One (1) sternlight.

Option 1

Sail Boats under 7 m (23') - Rule 25

Sidelights;

One (1) sternlight; and

OPTIONAL - Two (2) all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green.

OR

One (1) lantern, combining the sidelights and sternlight above.

OR (if requirements above are not practicable)

Have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light that you must use far enough in advance to prevent a collision.

NOTE: OPTIONAL - In the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland waterway, a sail boat that is also being propelled by a motor may exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

Sail Boats from 7 m (23') to under 20 m (65'7") - Rule 25

Sidelights;

One (1) sternlight; and

OPTIONAL - Two (2) all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green.

OR

One (1) lantern, combining the sidelights and sternlight above.

NOTE: OPTIONAL IF < 12 m - In the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland waterway, a sail boat that is also being propelled by a motor may exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Sail Boats 20 m (65'7") and over - Rule 25

Sidelights;

One (1) sternlight; and

OPTIONAL - Two (2) all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green.

NOTE: In the Canadian waters of a roadstead, harbour, river, lake or inland waterway, a sail boat that is also being propelled by a motor shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards

Option 1

Option 2

Human-Powered Boats - Rule 25

Have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light that you must use far enough in advance to prevent a collision.

OR

Same lights as listed above for sail boats, according to length.

Option 1

Option 2

Boats at Anchor under 7 m (23') - Rule 30

If the boat is in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other boats normally navigate:

One (1) all-round white light (at night) or one (1) ball (during the day); and

Another all-round white light.

OR

One (1) all-round white light.

NOTE: OPTIONAL - Any available lights to illuminate decks may be used.

Option 1

Boats at Anchor from 7 m (23') to under 50 m (164'1") - Rule 30

One (1) all-round white light (at night) or one (1) ball (during the day); and

Another all-round white light.

OR

One (1) all-round white light.

NOTE: OPTIONAL – Any available lights to illuminate decks may be used.

Option 1

Masthead light: a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and fixed so the light can be seen from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Sidelights: a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and fixed so the light can be seen from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 m (65’7”) in length, the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.

Sternlight: a white light placed as nearly as possible at the stern, showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and fixed so the light can be seen 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.

All-round light: a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

Radar Reflectors

A radar reflector can enhance your safety on the water, but only if it’s big enough and well placed on your boat. Reflectors help larger vessels to see small boats on their radar screens, which is sometimes the only way that they will be able to spot you.

When buying a reflector, there is no substitute for size – so buy the biggest one that is practicable for your boat. Height is also very important, so keep this in mind too. Reflectors should be located above all superstructures and at least 4 m (13’1”) above the water if practicable. There are all kinds of reflectors of varying quality on the market, so make sure you look carefully before buying.

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